U.S. patent application number 10/917244 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for patient support apparatus.
Invention is credited to William D. Childs, Alfred J. IV Dacey, Eugene L. III Keller, Richard L. McDaniel, Stanley T. Palmatier, Michael J. Petrowski, Jeffrey C. Shiery, Jerry A. Wheeler.
Application Number | 20060031990 10/917244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35798529 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060031990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palmatier; Stanley T. ; et
al. |
February 16, 2006 |
Patient support apparatus
Abstract
A patient support apparatus having a base, a litter frame, an
elevation mechanism interconnecting the base to the litter frame
and being configured to effect changes in elevation of the litter
frame relative to the base. The litter frame includes a pair of
laterally spaced and longitudinally extending support rails and a
plurality of laterally extending support rails interconnecting the
longitudinally extending support rails so that the litter frame has
a rectangular configuration. Selected ones of the laterally
extending support rails are mounted to the elevation mechanism. On
the aforesaid litter frame there is mounted various modules,
namely, (1) a patient support deck, (2) a set of lateral edge
siderails, (3) a holder for bottled gas, (4) an attendant work
surface, oriented beneath the head section when the head section is
in a horizontal position, (5) a seat, thigh and foot section
assembly, and (6) a head section having manipulatable controls
thereon supportingly secured to the litter frame separately from
the seat, thigh and foot section assembly.
Inventors: |
Palmatier; Stanley T.; (Paw
Paw, MI) ; McDaniel; Richard L.; (Constantine,
MI) ; Shiery; Jeffrey C.; (East Leroy, MI) ;
Petrowski; Michael J.; (Vicksburg, MI) ; Childs;
William D.; (Plainwell, MI) ; Wheeler; Jerry A.;
(Kalamazoo, MI) ; Dacey; Alfred J. IV; (Mendon,
MI) ; Keller; Eugene L. III; (Portage, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLYNN, THIEL, BOUTELL & TANIS, P.C.
2026 RAMBLING ROAD
KALAMAZOO
MI
49008-1631
US
|
Family ID: |
35798529 |
Appl. No.: |
10/917244 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/611 ;
5/618 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 1/0212 20130101;
A61G 7/0509 20161101; A61G 7/015 20130101; A61G 7/0503 20130101;
A61G 7/0507 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/611 ;
005/618 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/012 20060101
A61G007/012; A61G 7/015 20060101 A61G007/015 |
Claims
1. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter frame;
an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said litter
frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of said
litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame including a
pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails
and plural laterally extending support rails interconnecting said
longitudinally extending support rails, said laterally extending
support rails being mounted to said elevation mechanism; said
elevation mechanism including a pair of longitudinally spaced and
independently operable extendable and retractable actuators, and a
connection mechanism interconnecting at least one of said laterally
extending support rails to said longitudinally extending support
rails and being configured to facilitate movement of said at least
one of said laterally extending support rails relative to said
longitudinally extending rails in response to one of said actuators
being extended or retracted relative to the other of said
actuators.
2. The patient support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
connection mechanism includes a socket on each of said
longitudinally extending rails, said sockets being laterally spaced
from each other and receiving therein a respective terminal end of
said at least one of said laterally extending support rails.
3. The patient support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said
socket is included in a mount separate from said longitudinally
extending rails, said mount being attached to said longitudinally
extending rails.
4. The patient support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said
socket is elongate in a direction coextensive with said
longitudinally extending rails.
5. The patient support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
connection mechanism includes a housing provided on said
longitudinally extending rails and having an opening therein facing
a central longitudinal axis of said patient support apparatus, a
block body having a longitudinally elongate socket therein received
in said opening in said housing.
6. The patient support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said
block body and said housing have mating configurations for
facilitating a securement of said block body to said housing
without the use of separate fasteners.
7. The patient support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said
housing has at least one elastically yieldable wall with at least
one recess therein adjacent said opening and said block body has at
least one protuberance configured to be received in said recess, a
peripheral dimension of said block body and a peripheral dimension
of said opening being configured relative to each other to
facilitate a sliding reception of said block body into said opening
simultaneous with said protuberance effecting a flexing of said at
least one elastically yieldable wall, said elastically yieldable
returning to an unflexed state in response to said protuberance
entering said recess.
8. The patient support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
block body is made of a synthetic resin material having said
elongate socket and said protuberance formed thereon.
9. The patient support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an
edge of said protuberance facing said laterally extending rail and
a first surface on said block body remote from said laterally
extending rail are spaced a first dimension from each other, said
housing including at least one abutment inside of said opening and
a second edge of said recess closest to said central longitudinal
axis spaced a second dimension from each other, said first and
second dimensions being approximately equal so that as said block
body is slid into said opening, said first surface of said block
body will engage said abutment approximately simultaneous with said
protuberance entering said recess to effect a stationary holding of
said block body between said abutment and said second edge.
10. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame
including a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending,
tubular support rails and plural laterally extending support rails
interconnecting said longitudinally extending support rails, said
laterally extending support rails being mounted to said elevation
mechanism; a plurality of longitudinally spaced cartridge receiving
openings in each of said tubular support rails, each of said
longitudinally spaced cartridge receiving openings opening
outwardly of said tubular support rails on a side thereof facing
away from a central longitudinal axis of said patient support
apparatus; and a plurality of cartridges each configured to be
received into a respective one of said cartridge openings, each of
said plural cartridges having an elongate arm pivotally secured
thereto, each of said elongate arms extending parallel to other
elongate arms when said cartridge is received into said cartridge
receiving opening, and a rail pivotally secured to a distal end of
each of said elongate arms.
11. The patient support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a
single fastener is provided to secure each of said plural
cartridges to a respective longitudinally extending, tubular
support rail.
12. The patient support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
each of said longitudinally spaced cartridge receiving openings is
identical to one another, and wherein each of said plurality of
cartridges is identical to one another.
13. The patient support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
each of said plurality of cartridges is configured to be moved into
a respective cartridge receiving opening in said longitudinally
extending support rail along an axis of said cartridge receiving
opening and then be slid orthogonally of said axis, each of said
cartridges having at least one first fastener receiving opening
therein, each of said longitudinally extending support rails having
at least one second fastener receiving opening therein adjacent to
a respective said cartridge receiving opening, axes of respective
ones of said first and second fastener receiving openings being
initially nonaligned when said cartridge is received in said
cartridge receiving opening therefor but becoming axially aligned
in response to said orthogonally movement to facilitate the
reception of a fastener to secure said cartridge to said
longitudinally extending support rail.
14. The patient support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at
least a selected one of said plural cartridges has a resilient
mechanism biasing said elongate arm thereon for pivotal movement in
a first direction to effect a counterbalancing of the weight of all
of said elongate arms and said rail pivotally fastened thereto.
15. The patient support apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
said resilient mechanism is a torsion spring.
16. The patient support apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
each of said plural cartridges has a resilient mechanism biasing
said elongate arm thereon for pivotal movement in a first direction
to effect a counterbalancing of the weight of said elongate arm
pivotally mounted thereon and a fragment of the weight of said rail
pivotally secured thereto.
17. The patient support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a
pivot axis of each elongate arm extends in a downwardly inclined
direction from a horizontal plane containing said longitudinally
extending support rails; and wherein each of said elongate arms is
configured to pivot between a first position wherein said distal
ends and said rail secured thereto are oriented above said
horizontal plane to a second position wherein said distal ends and
said rail secured thereto are oriented below said horizontal
plane.
18. The patient support apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
each of said elongate arms is further configured so that said
distal end and said rail secured thereto will be oriented at least
partially beneath a respective one of said longitudinally extending
support rails when in said second position thereof.
19. The patient support apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
each of said plural cartridges are identical to one another, each
cartridge having a body with an outwardly facing wall, said body
having an axially extending opening therein opening outwardly of
said body at said outwardly facing wall, a respective said elongate
arm being received into said axially extending opening and
supported therein for rotation with respect to said body, said
resilient mechanism being a torsion spring having one end thereof
secured to said body and an opposite end thereof secured to said
elongate arm.
20. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame
including at least a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally
extending support rails and plural laterally extending support
rails interconnecting said longitudinally extending support rails,
said laterally extending support rails being mounted to said
elevation mechanism; each of said pair of laterally spaced,
longitudinally extending support rails being of a tubular
configuration having a wholly enclosed hollow interior.
21. The patient support apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
said longitudinally extending support rails are each of a seamless
construction.
22. The patient support apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
said longitudinally extending support rails are each of a welded
seam construction.
23. The patient support apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
said longitudinally extending support rails are each of a
noncircular cross section over a majority of a length thereof.
24. The patient support apparatus according to claim 20, wherein
said longitudinally extending support rails are each of a uniform
and noncircular cross section throughout a length thereof.
25. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame having a
head end and a foot end, said litter frame including a pair of
laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails and plural
laterally extending support rails interconnecting said
longitudinally extending support rails, said laterally extending
support rails being mounted to said elevation mechanism; a support
deck mounted on said litter frame and comprising at least a seat
section and a head section, said litter frame including a first
pivot support oriented at a foot end of said seat section and a
second pivot support oriented at a head end of said seat section, a
foot end of said seat section being mounted to said first pivot
support for movement between first and second positions about a
first axis defined by said first pivot support, a foot end of said
head section being mounted to said second pivot support for
movement between first and second positions about a second axis
defined by said second pivot support, said foot end of said head
section including an extension extending beneath said head end of
said seat section and moveable with said head section, said
extension including a first low friction mechanism for supporting
said head end of said seat section thereon and for relative
movement with respect to said head end of said seat section, said
extension being configured to orient said seat section in a first
horizontal plane parallel to a second horizontal plane defined by
said longitudinally extending support rails and when said head
section is also in said first horizontal plane, said extension
being additionally configured to orient said head end of said seat
section below said second horizontal plane when said head section
is moved about said second pivot support so that said head end of
said head section is oriented above said second horizontal
plane.
26. The patient support apparatus according to claim 25, wherein
said litter frame includes a pair of side bolster members each
configured to be attached to a respective one of said pair of said
laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails, said
bolster members each extending coextensively with said support
rails between said first and second pivot supports to provide
support laterally for a patient's thighs when said head end of said
seat section is oriented below said second horizontal plane.
27. The patient support apparatus according to claim 25, wherein
said seat section includes a seat frame, a foot end of said seat
frame being pivotally secured to said first pivot support, said
seat frame having separate first and second deck sections thereon,
said first deck section being secured directly to said seat frame
and moveable therewith about said first pivot support, said second
deck section being pivotally secured to said seat frame adjacent a
foot end of said first deck section, a foot end of said second deck
section being oriented adjacent said first pivot support.
28. The patient support apparatus according to claim 27, wherein
said first and second deck sections each include a bracket, an
extendable and retractable actuator having opposite ends thereof
connected to a respective one of said brackets to effect a relative
pivoting of said second deck section with respect to said first
deck section and with respect to said seat frame.
29. The patient support apparatus according to claim 28, wherein
said support deck also includes a foot section, a head end of said
foot section being hingedly secured to a foot end of said second
deck section.
30. The patient support apparatus according to claim 29, wherein a
foot end of said longitudinally extending support rails includes a
track, a foot end of said foot section including a second low
friction member engaging said track and moving with respect to said
track in response to a relative pivoting of said foot section with
respect to said second deck section about an axis defined by said
hinged securement.
31. The patient support apparatus according to claim 30, wherein
said track defines a surface upon which rests said second low
friction member.
32. The patient support apparatus according to claim 31, wherein
said second low friction member is a synthetic resin member that
slidingly rests on said track.
33. The patient support apparatus according to claim 29, wherein a
foot end of said longitudinally extending support rails includes a
track, a foot end of said foot section including a slide mechanism
engaging said track and moving with respect to said track in
response to a relative pivoting of said foot section with respect
to said second deck section about an axis defined by said hinged
securement.
34. The patient support apparatus according to claim 33, wherein
said track is made of a low friction material and said slide
mechanism is a slide shoe slidingly engaging said track.
35. The patient support apparatus according to claim 28, wherein
said extendable and retractable actuator is a hydraulic actuator,
said litter frame having a manually operated hydraulic pump mounted
thereon adjacent said foot end thereof and at least one conduit
extending between an outlet on said pump to an inlet to said
hydraulic actuator.
36. The patient support apparatus according to claim 35, wherein
said hydraulic actuator includes a pump body and a first reciprocal
plunger member supported on said pump body configured to pump
hydraulic fluid to said inlet to said hydraulic actuator for
extending said hydraulic actuator to separate said brackets from
one another and effect said relative pivoting of said second deck
section with respect to said first deck section.
37. The patient support apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
said hydraulic actuator further includes a first reciprocal handle
mounted on said litter frame, said first reciprocal plunger member
being operatively connected to said first handle adjacent a
proximal end thereof, a distal end of said first handle being
exposed for access by an attendant to effect reciprocation thereof
and a pumping of hydraulic fluid to said hydraulic actuator.
38. The patient support apparatus according to claim 37, wherein
said distal end of said first handle is oriented at said foot end
of said litter frame.
39. The patient support apparatus according to claim 38, wherein an
elongate guide is provided on said litter frame adjacent said foot
end thereof, said first handle being operatively guided by said
guide adjacent said distal end thereof for movement between
opposite laterally spaced ends of said elongate guide.
40. The patient support apparatus according to claim 38, wherein
said proximal end of said first handle is pivotally supported on
said litter frame, said first reciprocal plunger member being
secured to said first handle at a location spaced from said pivotal
support for said first handle.
41. The patient support apparatus according to claim 40, wherein
said first handle is pivotal about a vertically upright axis and
wherein said guide extends laterally, said first handle adjacent
said distal end thereof being operatively guided for lateral
movement about said vertically upright axis by said guide.
42. The patient support apparatus according to claim 41, wherein
said distal end of said first handle is readily accessible to an
attendant at said foot end of said litter frame.
43. The patient support apparatus according to claim 36, wherein
said pump body includes a second reciprocal plunger member
configured for movement between first and second positions to
effect, upon a movement from said first position to said second
position, a release of hydraulic fluid from said hydraulic actuator
in order to facilitate a retraction of said hydraulic actuator.
44. The patient support apparatus according to claim 43, wherein a
second handle is secured at a proximal end thereof to said second
reciprocal plunger member, a distal end of said second handle being
oriented adjacent said first handle and readily accessible to an
attendant.
45. The patient support apparatus according to claim 44, wherein
said distal ends of both of said first and second handles are
oriented exposed at said foot end of said litter for access by an
attendant.
46. The patient support apparatus according to claim 45, wherein
said pump body and said first and second handles are mounted onto a
pump frame that is attached to and extends between said
longitudinally extending side rails adjacent said foot end of said
litter frame.
47. The patient support apparatus according to claim 25, wherein
said head end of said seat section includes on an underside thereof
a track surface, said first low friction mechanism being a roller
engaging said track surface.
48. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame having a
head end and a foot end, said litter frame including a pair of
laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails and plural
laterally extending support rails interconnecting said
longitudinally extending support rails, said laterally extending
support rails being mounted to said elevation mechanism; a support
deck mounted on said litter frame and comprising at least a seat
section and a head section, said litter frame including a first
pivot support oriented at a foot end of said seat section and a
second pivot support oriented at a head end of said seat section, a
foot end of said seat section being mounted to said first pivot
support for movement between first and second positions about a
first axis defined by said first pivot support, a foot end of said
head section being mounted to said second pivot support for
movement between first and second positions about a second axis
defined by said second pivot support, said foot end of said head
section including an extension extending beneath said head end of
said seat section and moveable with said head section, said
extension including a low friction mechanism for supporting said
head end of said seat section thereon and for relative movement
with respect to said head end of said seat section, said extension
being configured to orient said seat section in a first horizontal
plane parallel to a second horizontal plane defined by said
longitudinally extending support rails and when said head section
is also in said first horizontal plane, said extension being
additionally configured to orient said head end of said seat
section below said second horizontal plane when said head section
is moved about said second pivot support so that said head end of
said head section is oriented above said second horizontal plane; a
side bolster mounted to each of said longitudinally extending
support rails and extending coextensively with said seat section
between said head end and said foot end thereof so as to provide
lateral support for a patient when said head end of said seat
section is oriented below said second horizontal plane and said
head end of said head section is oriented above said second
horizontal plane.
49. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame
including a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending
support rails and plural laterally extending support rails
interconnecting said longitudinally extending support rails, said
laterally extending support rails being mounted to said elevation
mechanism; a support deck mounted on said litter frame and
comprising at least a head section, said litter frame including a
first pivot support oriented at a foot end of said head section, a
foot end of said head section being mounted to said first pivot
support for movement between first and second positions about a
first axis defined by said first pivot support; a bracket on said
head section and an extendable and retractable actuator connected
to and extending between said bracket and said litter frame, said
extendable and retractable actuator being effecting a pivoting of
said head section about said first axis; a manually operable handle
mechanism mounted on said head section and moveable therewith, said
handle mechanism including first and second laterally spaced
handles and a control member each supported for movement on and
between first and second positions relative to said head section,
said control member being configured to be moveable between first
and second positions in response to at least one of said first and
second handles being moveable from said first position thereof to
said second position thereof; and a control linkage interconnecting
said control member to said actuator, said linkage effecting one of
an extension and a retraction of said actuator in response to said
at least one of said handles effecting a movement of said control
member from said first position thereof to said second position
thereof.
50. The patient support apparatus according to claim 49, wherein
said actuator is a gas spring mechanism having a cylinder housing
and a reciprocal rod supported for reciprocal movement on said
cylinder housing between extended and retracted positions, said gas
spring mechanism being configured to continually urge said
reciprocal rod to said extended position, said gas spring mechanism
including a locking mechanism selectively moveable between first
and second positions for selectively effecting a locking of said
rod to said cylinder housing in selected immoveable positions
between said extended and retracted positions thereof when said
control member is in said first position and effecting an unlocking
of said rod to facilitate a movement of said rod one of said
extended and retracted positions when said control member is in
said second position.
51. The patient support apparatus according to claim 50, wherein
said locking mechanism is configured to normally lock said rod to
said cylinder housing to render said rod immoveable, said locking
mechanism having a lock control member that is moveable between
extended and retracted positions and is configured to be
continually urged to said retracted position and be resiliently
yieldable to said extended position, said control linkage being a
flexible cable with a first end thereof being connected to said
lock control member and a second end thereof being connected to
said control member, said continual urging of said lock control
member to said retracted position effecting an urging of said
control member to said first position thereof.
52. The patient support apparatus according to claim 51, wherein
said control member is a two arm lever of a finite length having at
a mid-length location thereon a fulcrum resting on a support
provided on said head section, one of said first and second handles
operatively engaging one end of said two arm lever while an other
of said first and second handles operatively engages an other end
of said two arm lever, said second end of said cable being
connected to said control member a said mid-length position so that
a movement of at least one of said first and second handles from
said first position to said second position will effect a
corresponding movement of one of said ends of said two arm lever
about said fulcrum and a corresponding movement of said cable and
said lock control member against said continual urging toward said
retracted position thereof to unlock said rod from said cylinder
housing to facilitate at least one of an extension and a retraction
of said actuator and a corresponding movement of said head section
about said first pivot support.
53. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame
including a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending
support rails and plural laterally extending support rails
interconnecting said longitudinally extending support rails so that
said litter frame has a rectangular configuration oriented in a
horizontal plane, said laterally extending support rails being
mounted to said elevation mechanism; at least one accessory mount
assembly secured to said litter frame in at least one corner of
said rectangular configuration, said accessory mount assembly
including at least one receptacle therein, said receptacle having
an axis that is perpendicular to said horizontal plane; at least
one accessory having at least first and second components, a pivot
connection pivotally connecting said first and second components
together, said first component having a base part remote from said
pivot connection sized to fit into said receptacle and be held
therein, said second component being configured to be oriented
between an upstanding first position of use and a stowed second
position relative to said first component.
54. The patient support apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
said at least one accessory mount assembly includes an accessory
mount frame located at said at least one corner of said rectangular
configuration, said accessory mount frame having a receptacle
therein configured to receive therein said first component of said
accessory, clam shell-like synthetic resin protective covers
covering said accessory mount frame, one of said covers having a
hole therein configured to be aligned with said receptacle, and at
least one fastener for securing said clam shell-like covers to each
other to encase said accessory mount frame therein.
55. The patient support apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
plural accessory mounts are provided, each accessory mount assembly
being secured to said litter frame in at least one corner at each
longitudinal end of said litter frame, each accessory mount frame
having at least one receptacle therein, and wherein plural
accessories are provided, each accessory having at least first and
second components and a pivot connection pivotally connecting said
first and second components together.
56. The patient support apparatus according to claim 55, wherein
each of said accessory mount assemblies includes an accessory mount
frame located at said at least one corner at each longitudinal end
of said litter frame, each accessory mount frame having identically
sized receptacles therein, each of said plural accessories having
first components configured to operatively fit into any of said
receptacles so that any selected accessory is operatively
receivable in a selected one of said corners of said litter
frame.
57. The patient support apparatus according to claim 56, wherein
each of said plural accessory mount assemblies further includes
synthetic resin protective clam shell-like covers covering said
each of said accessory mounted frames, each clam shell-like cover
having a hole therein configured to be aligned with said receptacle
in said accessory mount frame, at least one fastener for securing
respective covers of each of said clam shell-like covers to each
other to encase said accessory mount frame therein.
58. The patient support apparatus according to claim 57, wherein
said second component of said accessory is an IV pole.
59. The patient support apparatus according to claim 57, wherein
said second component of said accessory is a push handle.
60. The patient support apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
said second component of said accessory is an IV pole.
61. The patient support apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
said second component of said accessory is a push handle.
62. The patient support apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
plural accessory mount assemblies are provided, one at each corner
at one longitudinal end of said rectangular configuration, each of
said accessory mount assemblies including an accessory mount frame
having at least two identically sized receptacles therein, a first
of said two receptacles at each of said two corners each being
configured to operatively received therein said base component of a
handle accessory and a second of said two receptacles at a first of
said two corners being configured to operatively receive therein
said base component of an IV pole accessory, a second of said two
receptacles at a second of said two corners being configured to
operatively receive therein said base component of an IV pole clip
that is configured to clip onto and hold said I.V. pole in said
stowed second position.
63. The patient support apparatus according to claim 53, wherein at
least one accessory mount assembly is secured to said litter frame
in each corner of said rectangular configuration, each of accessory
mount assemblies including at least one receptacle therein, said
receptacle having an axis that is perpendicular to said horizontal
plane.
64. The patient support apparatus according to claim 63, wherein
each of said accessory mount assemblies in two corners at one
longitudinal end of said litter frame includes two receptacles
therein, each having an axis that is perpendicular to said
horizontal plane.
65. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame
including a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending
support rails and plural laterally extending support rails
interconnecting said longitudinally extending support rails so that
said litter frame has a rectangular configuration oriented in a
horizontal plane, selected ones of said laterally extending support
rails being mounted to said elevation mechanism; an hollow
cylindrical shell secured to said litter frame at a location that
is below said horizontal plane, said hollow cylindrical shell being
open at one end and having a first abutment at an opposite and
configured to receive in said open end a tank of bottled gas, said
first abutment engaging a bottom of said tank of bottled gas, said
tank of bottled gas having a manually operable valve thereon
configured to be accessible to an attendant at and end of said
hollow cylindrical shell that is adjacent said open end.
66. The patient support apparatus according to claim 65, wherein
said hollow cylindrical shell has a longitudinal axis that extends
in a first plane that is parallel to a second plane containing a
longitudinal axis of said litter frame.
67. The patient support apparatus according to claim 66, wherein
said longitudinal axis of said hollow cylindrical shell is inclined
to said horizontal plane, said open end of said hollow cylindrical
shell being higher than said opposite end thereof.
68. The patient support apparatus according to claim 65, wherein
said hollow cylindrical shell includes a second abutment adjacent
said open end, said second abutment being configured to permit
insertion of said tank into said open end and preventing a free
removal of said tank from said open end without first manually
manipulating said tank past said second abutment.
69. The patient support apparatus according to claim 65, wherein
said hollow cylindrical shell is secured to one of said pair of
laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails.
70. The patient support apparatus according to claim 65, wherein
said hollow cylindrical shell is secured to one of said laterally
extending support rails.
71. The patient support apparatus according to claim 65, wherein
said hollow cylindrical shell is jointly secured to one of said
longitudinally extending support rails and one of said laterally
extending support rails.
72. The patient support apparatus according to claim 65, wherein
said litter frame includes a horizontal platform secured to and
extending between said pair of longitudinally extending support
rails and being oriented directly above said hollow cylindrical
shell to define an attendant accessible work surface.
73. The patient support apparatus according to claim 72, wherein at
a location between said hollow cylindrical shell and one of one of
said longitudinally extending support rails and below said platform
there is provided a horizontally oriented shelf surface.
74. The patient support apparatus according to claim 73, wherein
litter frame additionally includes a foldable patient transfer
board that is configured to be stowed on said shelf surface.
75. A patient support apparatus, comprising: a base; a litter
frame; an elevation mechanism interconnecting said base and said
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
said litter frame relative to said base; said litter frame
including a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending,
support rails and plural laterally extending support rails
interconnecting said longitudinally extending support rails so that
said litter frame has a rectangular configuration oriented in a
horizontal plane, selected ones of said laterally extending support
rails being mounted to said elevation mechanism; a horizontal
platform secured to and extending between said pair of
longitudinally extending support rails and defining an attendant
work surface, said platform being located adjacent one longitudinal
end of said litter frame to facilitate attendant access from said
one longitudinal end.
76. The patient support apparatus according to claim 75, wherein
said litter frame includes a support deck having at least a head
section, said litter frame including a first pivot support oriented
at a foot end of said head section, a foot end of said head section
being mounted to said first pivot support for movement between a
first horizontal position and a second position inclined to the
horizontal about a first axis defined by said first pivot support,
said platform being located beneath said head section when said
head section is in said first position and becoming exposed for
access by an attendant in response to said head section having been
moved to said second position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a patient support apparatus and,
more particularly, to a patient support litter having a variety of
modular-like features thereon in order to facilitate quick and easy
installation onto a litter frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wheeled carriages for supporting a patient in a
substantially horizontal position are well known and a
representative example of an early version of such a device is
illustrated in Dr. Homer E. Stryker's U.S. Pat. No. 3,304,116, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Improvements to Dr. Stryker's innovated wheeled carriage have been
made over the years. The patient support apparatus disclosed herein
is another version of an improvement, which improvement is based
upon the request received from the patient care industry for a
light weight patient support apparatus and having features thereon
which will minimize attendant injury as well as other hydraulically
actuated features that are easily controllable by the
attendant.
[0003] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a
patient support apparatus which includes a modular-like litter
having mounted on the frame thereof a modularized side rail
assembly, a modularized patient support deck, which modules can be
pre-assembled and brought together for final assembly.
[0004] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid wherein the litter frame includes
at least a pair of tubular longitudinally extending side rails in
order to enhance the longitudinal stiffness of the litter frame and
to facilitate the easy assembly thereof of modularized
siderails.
[0005] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein one of the modules that
can be pre-assembled includes the patient support deck which
includes a head section, a seat section, a thigh section and a foot
section.
[0006] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein a hydraulic gatch control
is provided at the foot end of the litter frame for easy access by
the attendant.
[0007] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein a modularized accessory
mount frame is included in each of the four corners of the litter
frame in order to facilitate the mounting of various accessories
thereto.
[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein the modularized head
section of the litter frame includes a set of laterally spaced
handles in order to facilitate actuation of a movement of the head
section to various inclined positions relative to the litter
frame.
[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein a modularized holder for a
tank of bottled gas is provided, the location of which is readily
accessible by an attendant at the head end of the litter frame.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a patient
support apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein an attendant work surface
is provided on the litter frame beneath the head section when the
head section is in a horizontal position and which is accessible
and usable when the head section is raised to the inclined
position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The objects and purposes of the invention are met by
providing a patient support apparatus having a base, a litter
frame, an elevation mechanism interconnecting the base to the
litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of
the litter frame relative to the base. The litter frame includes a
pair of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending support rails
and a plurality of laterally extending support rails
interconnecting the longitudinally extending support rails so that
the litter frame has a rectangular configuration. Selected ones of
the laterally extending support rails are mounted to the elevation
mechanism. On the aforesaid litter frame there is mounted various
modules, namely, (1) a patient support deck, (2) a set of lateral
edge siderails, (3) a holder for bottled gas, (4) an attendant work
surface, oriented beneath the head section when the head section is
in a horizontal position, (5) a seat, thigh and foot section
assembly, and (6) a head section having manipulatable controls
thereon supportingly secured to the litter frame separately from
the seat, thigh and foot section assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent
to persons acquainted with apparatus of this general type upon
reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a patient support apparatus
embodying the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a litter frame embodied
within the patient support apparatus and having at opposite
longitudinal ends thereof modularized assemblies for facilitating
attachment of at least one accessory;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the litter frame having
mounted thereon a head section;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 1 but with the
head, seat and thigh sections having been moved to a different
position;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the patient support apparatus;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the patient support apparatus
viewed from the foot end;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of
FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but with the
head, seat and thigh sections having been moved to a different
position;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 1 except that
the thigh and foot sections have been moved to a different
position;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but with the
thigh and foot sections having been moved to a different
position;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 9 except that
the thigh and foot sections have been moved to a still different
position;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but with the
thigh and foot sections having been moved to the aforesaid still
different position;
[0025] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the hydraulic control system
for a gatch control feature;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but with the
head section having been moved to a full upright position;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in
FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 except that one of the
handles has been moved to a different position;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 15 except that both of the
handles have been moved to a further position;
[0030] FIG. 18 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 2;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the patient support
apparatus viewed from the head end of the litter frame and
illustrating an attendant work surface oriented beneath the head
section when the head section is in the horizontal position, the
head section being illustrated in a raised position to provide
attendant access to the work surface;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line XXI-XXI in
FIG. 20;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a side view of a laterally extending rail of the
litter frame oriented adjacent the head end of the foot
section;
[0035] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of FIG. 22;
[0036] FIG. 24 is an exploded isometric view of the structure
illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV in
FIG. 5;
[0038] FIG. 26 is an exploded isometric view of a modularized
siderail assemblage;
[0039] FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of one siderail
support arm unit; and
[0040] FIG. 28 is an enlarged sectional view of an installed
modularized siderail assemblage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Certain terminology will be used in the following
description for convenience in reference only and will not be
limiting. The words "up", and "down", "right" and "left" will
designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.
The words "in" and "out" will refer to directions toward and away
from, respectively, the geometric center of the patient support
apparatus and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will
include derivatives and words of similar import.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a patient support apparatus 10 embodying
the invention. The patient support apparatus 10 includes a wheel
supported base 11, a patient support litter 12 and an elevation
mechanism 13 interconnecting the base 11 to the patient support
litter 12 and being configured to effect a change in elevation of
the patient support litter 12 relative to the base 11. The
configuration of the base can be of many different varieties, one
in particular being disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/083,234, filed Feb. 26, 2002, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference. The elevation mechanism in this
particular embodiment includes a pair of extendable and retractable
hydraulic jacks 14, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 20. Each of
the jacks is enshrouded in a telescoping shroud 16, one end of
which is mounted on the base 11 and the upper end of which is
secured to the underside of the patient support litter 12.
[0043] The patient support litter 12 includes a litter frame 17
which includes a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally
extending, tubular support rails 18 and 19 and plural laterally
extending support rails 21, 22 and 23. The tubular support rails 18
and 19 each have a wholly enclosed hollow interior. Further, the
tubular support rails can have a welded longitudinally extending
seam or be of a seamless configuration. In this particular
embodiment, the support rails have a non-circular cross section.
The lateral extending support rails 21, 22, and 23 interconnect the
longitudinally extending support rails 18 and 19. Further, the
laterally extending support rails 21 and 23 are supported on the
extendable and retractable component of the aforementioned
hydraulic jacks 14. Further detail concerning the lateral support
rail 23 is illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24. More specifically,
and referring to FIGS. 22-24, a bracket 24 is secured to each of
the support rails 18 and 19. Each of the brackets 24 define a
hollow housing having an outwardly facing opening 26 opposing the
opening 26 in the other hollow housing. FIG. 24 illustrates in more
detail one of the brackets 24. It includes a top wall 27, a pair of
side wall skirts 28 depending therefrom with the lower ends of the
respective side wall skirts 28 having inwardly projecting flanges
29. Each of the flanges 29 has a hole 31 therein, a fragment 32 of
an edge of the hole 31 defining a lip, the purpose of which will be
explained below. In this particular embodiment, the top wall 27 and
the flanges 29 are contained in vertically spaced horizontal
planes. Further, each of the two brackets 24 are identical and has
a contour configured to conform to the outer contour of the support
rails 18 and 19 to facilitate a welded securement thereof to the
respective support rail 18 and 19. The interior of the bracket
defines a socket 33 into which is received a block body 34 having a
pair of spaced protuberances 36 thereon which, when said block body
34 is received into the socket 33, project into the holes 31 so
that an edge 37 of each of the protuberances 36 will operatively
engage the edge fragments 32 of the respective holes 31 to securely
hold the block body into the socket 33. Each of the side wall
skirts 28 has a stop 38 formed thereon to limit the extent to which
the block body 34 can move into the socket 33. The block body
includes an elongate slot 39 therein. In this particular
embodiment, each of the block bodies 34 is made of a synthetic
resin material and is preferably a molded component.
[0044] The lateral support rail assembly 23 additionally includes a
support rail 41 having reduced diameter ends 42 each configured to
be received in a selected one of the slots 39 in a respective one
of the block bodies 34 and be slideable lengthwise along the length
of the respective slots 39. The mid-section of the support rail 41
has a hole 43 extending therethrough to facilitate connection to
the extendable and retractable component of the respective
hydraulic jack 14.
[0045] The litter frame 17 has a rectangular configuration and each
corner of the rectangle is provided with an accessory mount
assembly 46 secured to the head end 47 of the litter frame 17 and a
further accessory mount assembly 48 secured to the foot end 49 of
the litter frame 17. The accessory mount assembly 46 includes an
accessory mount frame 51 secured to each of the support rails 18
and 19 at the head ends thereof. Each of the accessory mount frames
51 has plural receptacles therein, the axis of each of which
extends vertical and perpendicular to a horizontal plane defined by
the litter frame 17. A support rail 58 is secured to and extends
between the accessory mount frames 51. The accessory mount assembly
46 further includes a pair of shell-like covers 53 and 54 enclosing
the accessory mount frame 51. The covers 53 and 54 are secured
together by plural fasteners 56. The uppermost cover 53 has plural
holes 57 therein which are aligned with the receptacles 52 when the
covers 53 and 54 are secured to one another by the fasteners 56
[0046] Similarly, the accessory mount assembly 48 is secured to
each of the longitudinally extending support rails 18 and 19 at the
foot ends thereof. Each of the accessory mount frames 61 includes
at least one receptacle 62 therein, the axis of which extends
vertical and perpendicular to a plane containing the litter frame
17. A support rail 68 is secured to and extends between the
accessory mount frame 61. The accessory mount assembly 48
additionally includes a shell-like set of covers 63 and 64 which
enshroud each of the accessory mount frames 61. The covers 63 and
64 are secured to one another by plural fasteners 66. The uppermost
cover 63 includes at least one hole therein which is aligned with
the respective receptacle 62 when the covers 63 and 64 are secured
to one another by the fasteners 66. A bracket 69 is secured to the
support rail 68 and has a pair of vertically upright sockets 71
thereon. The bracket 69 is covered by a shroud 72 which has holes
73 therein aligned with the sockets 71. The sockets 71 provide
support for an accessory to the patient support apparatus, such as
a footboard not illustrated.
[0047] Each of the receptacles 52 and 62 are configured to
selectively receive therein a holder base unit 74 that is
configured to be held in the respective receptacles 52 and 62 by a
fastener 76. Each holder base unit has a lower end that is
configured to be snugly received into any selected receptacle 52
and 62. Further, each holder base unit has a clevis type upper end
into which is received a selected accessory 77 and 78. In this
particular embodiment, the accessory 77 is an IV pole having a
lower end (FIG. 19) with an elongate slot 79 therein received
between the arms of the clevis so that a pin 81 can be received
through the slot and through aligned holes in the arms of the
clevis to facilitate a pivotal securement of the IV pole to the
holder base unit 74. The interior of the holder base unit 74 is
hollow in the region immediately beneath the clevis arms to
facilitate a snug holding of the lower end of the IV pole and to
keep the IV pole sturdily in an upstanding position wherein the
longitudinal axis thereof is perpendicular to the plane of the
litter frame. The IV pole accessory 77 can be pivoted to a position
90 degrees relative to the upstanding position, namely, a position
wherein the longitudinal axis is in a horizontal plane parallel to
the plane of the litter by simply lifting up on the IV pole
accessory 77 until the pin 81 is at the lower end of the
longitudinal slot 79 at which time the lower end of the IV pole
will be removed from the hollow interior of the holder base unit 74
to facilitate the aforesaid pivoting movement.
[0048] The other accessory 78 is a push handle which has a lower
end configuration identical to the configuration of the IV pole
namely, it too has a slot therein into which is received a pin 82,
which pin also extends through aligned holes in the arms of the
clevis on the holder base unit. The handle will be snugly held in
an upstanding position by reason of the lower end thereof being
received into the hollow portion of the holder base unit 74 and
when it is desired to orient the push handles at a position that is
90 degrees spaced from the upstanding position, it is only
necessary to lift the accessory handles upwardly so that the pin 82
will be shifted in the slot to the lower end thereof to enable the
handle to be pivoted to a position that is generally horizontal and
stowed.
[0049] A further accessory 83 can be provided and consists solely
of a holder base unit received into a selected one of the
receptacles 52 or 62 and has a pair of clevis type arms thereon
between which the top end of the aforesaid IV pole accessory 77 can
be received after it has been pivoted to the aforesaid horizontal
stowed position to securely hold the IV pole accessory in the
stowed position. The accessory 83 can be secured into the selected
receptacle 52 or 62 by a fastener not illustrated. The IV pole is
of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,658, the disclosure
therein being incorporated herein by reference.
[0050] A patient support deck 86 is mounted on the litter frame 17
and, in this particular embodiment includes a head section 87, a
seat section 88, a thigh section 89 and a foot section 91. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, each support rail 18 and 19 has a clevis
type bracket 92 secured to the upper side thereof. Each bracket 92
has a pair of upstanding arms with each arm having a hole
therethrough configured to receive a fastener pin 93. The head
section 87 includes a U-shaped frame 94 component (see also FIGS.
15-17) with the distal ends of each of the arms of the U-shaped
frame being received between the arms of the clevis bracket 92 to
facilitate securement of the arms of the frame to the bracket 92. A
synthetic resin shroud 96 defines the patient support surface for
the head section 87. A synthetic resin body 97 with plural cavities
98 therein is also mounted to the frame 94 to render the U-shaped
frame 94 more rigid. The shroud 96 is secured to the body 97 by a
plurality of fasteners 99 (FIGS. 1 and 3)
[0051] A laterally extending support bar 101 (FIG. 17) is secured
to the frame 94 and extends between the arms thereof adjacent the
distal ends of the arms. A pair of laterally spaced bracket arms
102 are secured to the support bar 101 and extend toward the foot
end of the litter frame 17. A further support bar 103 is secured to
each bracket arm 102 and extends laterally between the bracket arms
102 to stabilize them. An actuator attachment bracket 104 is
secured to the support bar 103. In this particular embodiment, the
actuator attachment bracket 104 is of a U-shaped clevis type. The
distal end of each of the bracket arms 102 has a roller 106
rotatably secured thereto as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 20.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 15-17, one of the cavities 98 in the
body 97 has an actuator control member 107 mounted therein. In this
particular embodiment, the actuator control member 107 is a two arm
lever 108 having a mid-section 109 defining a fulcrum configured to
engage an abutment 111 fixedly provided on the body 97 adjacent the
mid-section 109. The distal end of each arm of the two arm lever
108 has an elongate slot 112 provided thereon and being elongate in
a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the support rails
18 and 19. A pin 113 is fixedly secured to the body 97 and is
received in each elongate slot 112. A Bowden cable (illustrated in
broken lines in FIGS. 15-17) is attached to the mid-section 109 of
the two arm lever 108.
[0053] Adjacent each end of the two arm lever 108 there is provided
a two arm lever 116 defining a handle. Each handle 116 is identical
to the other and is pivotally secured to the body 97 by a pin 117
oriented at the mid length portion of the handle 116. The end 118
of one of the arms of the handle 116 is configured to engage the
mutually adjacent lever arm of the two arm lever 108. The other end
119 of the handle 116 is configured to enable an attendant to
manually grip the handle to effect pivotal operation thereof about
the axis of the pin 117. Thus, when the handle 116 is pivoted about
the axis of the pin 117 from the position illustrated in FIG. 15 to
the position illustrated in FIG. 16, the end 118 will engage the
mutually adjacent end of the two arm lever 108 to cause the
mid-section 109 thereof to move into engagement with the abutment
111 and to cause a pivoting of the two arm lever 108 about an axis
defined by the fulcrum 111. It will be noted that the pin 113 is
configured to slide within the slot 112 so that an appropriate
alignment of the two arm lever 108 is maintained between the two
handles 116. FIG. 17 illustrates both handles 116 having been
pivoted relative to the position illustrated in FIG. 15. When the
two arm lever 108 is shifted to either the position illustrated in
FIG. 16 or the position illustrated in FIG. 17, one end of the
Bowden cable 114 will be pulled to effect actuation of an actuator
122 yet to be described.
[0054] As is illustrated in FIG. 3, the lateral support rail 22 has
a clevis type bracket 121 mounted thereon. An extendable and
retractable actuator 122 is connected at one end to the bracket 121
and at the other end to the bracket 104 on the head section 87. In
this particular embodiment, the actuator 122 is a gas spring biased
to a normally extended position corresponding to the head section
87 being raised to the fully raised position as illustrated in FIG.
14. The end of the Bowden cable 114 remote from the two arm lever
108 is secured to an operative linkage on the actuator 122 to
facilitate an unlocking of the actuator to facilitate extension and
retraction of the extendable and retractable member of the actuator
122. The gas spring actuator 122 is of a conventional construction
well known in the art and further description thereof is deemed
unnecessary. When the handles 116 on the head section are in the
normal inoperative position illustrated in FIG. 15, the control
linkage construction on the actuator 122 will be effective for
locking the extendable and retractable member of the actuator in a
fixed position. Movement of one or both of the handles 116 to the
pivoted positions illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 will effect a
pulling of the Bowden cable 114 to effect a movement of the control
linkage for the actuator to effect an unlocking of the extendable
and retractable member to enable it to move to a further extended
or retracted position to enable the head section 87 to pivot about
the access of the pins 93 securing the head section 87 to the
brackets 92 on the litter frame 17.
[0055] It will be noted in FIG. 1 that adjacent the thigh section
89, there is provided a pair of laterally spaced brackets 123 which
are fixedly secured to the longitudinally extending support rails
18 and 19. To the brackets 123 there are secured the arms of a
U-shaped frame 124 which extends toward the head end of the litter
frame 17 from the brackets 123. A pin 126 effects a securement of
each of the arms of the U-shaped frame 124 to the brackets 123 in
order to render the frame 124 pivotal about the axis of the pins
126. The seat section 88 is fixedly mounted to the U-shaped frame
124 at a location that is mutually adjacent to the foot end of the
head section 87. The seat section 88 includes a support deck member
127 which is secured to the frame 124 by a plurality of fasteners
not illustrated. An underside 128 of the U-shaped frame 124
adjacent the bight section thereof is supported on the rollers 106
as illustrated in FIG. 7. If desired, the underside 128 of the
support deck 127 can be fitted with a guide track in order to
facilitate a guidance of the respective rollers 106 on the
underside 128. The U-shaped frame 124 has an extension bracket 129
(FIG. 7) thereon which extends downwardly from the underside 128 of
the support deck member 127.
[0056] The thigh section 89, which is oriented adjacent the foot
end of the seat section, includes a frame 90 (FIG. 9) which is
pivotally mounted to the arms of the U-shaped frame 124 by a pivot
axle 131. The pivot axle 131 is oriented adjacent the foot end of
the seat section 88. The thigh section 89 includes a support deck
member 132 mounted on the frame 90. An extension bracket 133 (FIG.
7) extends downwardly from the underside of the support deck member
132. An extendable and retractable actuator 134 is provided and one
end thereof is secured to the extension bracket 129 and the other
end of it is connected to the extension bracket 133.
[0057] The foot section 91 is pivotally secured to the foot end of
the thigh section 89 by a pivot axle 136. The pivot axle 136
extends through openings in the arms of a plurality of U-shaped
brackets 137 secured to the head end of the foot section 91 so that
a journal 138 on the foot end of the thigh section 89 can be
received between the arms of the respective brackets 137 in order
to render the foot section 91 and thigh section 89 pivotable with
respect to one another about the axis of the axle 136. The foot end
of the foot section 91 includes a pair of laterally spaced skids
139 which are slideably supported on the upper surface of the
respective longitudinally extending support rails 18 and 19,
particularly adjacent the foot end of the respective support rails
18 and 19. The foot section 91 also includes a support deck member
141 thereon.
[0058] The support deck members 96, 127, 132 and 141 define a
mattress support surface. The mattress for the patient support
apparatus 10 is not illustrated in the drawings.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a gatch control
hydraulic circuit 140 for use in association with the actuator 134
described above. More specifically, a frame 142 is secured to the
under side of the longitudinally extending side rails 18 and 19
adjacent the foot ends thereof. The frame includes a horizontally
extending platform 143 and upstanding laterally spaced side walls
134 between which extends the support platform 143. A hydraulic
pump body 146 is suspended from the underside of the support
platform 143 intermediate the side walls 144 and includes a pair of
reciprocal input members 147 and 148. The reciprocal input member
147 effects, when reciprocated into and out of the pump body 146, a
pumping of hydraulic fluid through a conduit 149 to one end of the
actuator 34 as illustrated in FIG. 13 to cause the extendable and
retractable member 151 of the actuator 134 to extend outwardly of a
body 152 thereof.
[0060] A bracket 153 is mounted to the underside of the support
platform 143 and supports a pivot pin 154 whose axis is vertically
oriented perpendicular to the plane of the support platform 143. A
lever arm 156 is pivotally secured at one end thereof to the
bracket 153 by the pin 154. The lever arm 153 extends through a
laterally extending guide 157 in the form of an elongate slot 158
formed in a wall 155 joining the side walls 144 to each other along
the foot end edge of the support platform 143. The end of the lever
arm 156 remote from the pivot pin 154 includes a manually
engageable handle member 159. A linkage member 161 is connected at
one end to the pivot arm 156 by a pin 162. The other end of the
linkage member 161 is connected to the reciprocal input member 147
by a pin 163. As a result, reciprocation of the pivot arm 156
between the lateral limits of the slot 158 of the guide 157 will
effect a reciprocation of the reciprocal input member 147 to effect
the pumping of fluid to the actuator 134 to cause the reciprocal
member 151 of the actuator 134 to extend outwardly from the
actuator body 152. This lateral back and forth movement of the
pivot arm 156 is comfortable for the attendant to work and does not
effect an application of stress to the attendant's back.
[0061] A pivot support 160 is suspended from the underside of the
platform 143 on a lateral side of the housing for the pump body 146
remote from the reciprocal input member 147. A two arm lever 164 is
pivotally supported at the apex thereof by a pivot pin 166 which is
secured to the pivot support 160 as illustrated in FIG. 13. One end
of the two arm lever 164 operatively engages the reciprocal input
member 148 while the other end of the two arm lever is secured to a
linkage member 167 by a pivot pin 168. The linkage member 167 is
supported on the frame 142 for reciprocal movement in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support rails 18 and 19 to
cause a pivotal movement of the lever arm 164 in order to effect a
reciprocal movement of the reciprocal input member 148. The end of
the linkage member 167 remote from the end thereof connected to the
lever arm 164 is provided with a manually engageable handle 169.
When a force is applied to the handle 169 pulling the linkage
member 167 rightwardly in FIG. 13, the reciprocal input member 148
will be moved inwardly into the pump body 146 against a yieldable
return force, such as a not illustrated spring in the pump body
146, to effect a release of the fluid pressure of the hydraulic
fluid in the conduit 149 to effect a retraction of the reciprocal
member 151 into the actuator body 152 of the actuator 134. If
desired, a not illustrated spring can be connected to and extend
between the brackets 129 and 133 to enhance the retraction function
of the actuator 134. On the other hand, the actuator 134 can be
provided with an internal return spring for accomplishing the same
thing.
[0062] When the handle 159 is moved laterally back and forth and
the guide 157, and the reciprocal member 151 of the actuator 134 is
extended from the actuator body 152 against the urging of the not
illustrated spring, the extension brackets 129 and 133 will be
separated from one another to cause the thigh section 89 to be
pivoted about the axle 131 from the positions illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 7 to the position illustrated in FIG. 9. When this happens,
the head end of the foot section 91 will be lifted and the skids
139 will slide along the upper surfaces of the longitudinally
extending support rails 18 and 19. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the
thigh and the foot section moved to a further elevated position
relative to the litter frame 17. This form of gatch control is not
impacted by a change of elevation of the head section relative to
the litter frame. That is, when the head section 87 is pivoted
upwardly from the FIG. 1 position to the FIG. 4 position, the
rollers 106 will move downwardly from the FIG. 7 position to the
FIG. 8 position causing the U-shaped frame 124 to pivot about the
axle pin 126 so that both the seat section and the thigh section
will be oriented at a different location inclined to the
horizontal. Since the actuator 134 is secured at opposite ends
thereof to the extension brackets 129 and 133, any gatch
orientation of the thigh section and the foot section will be
maintained even though the seat section 88 and the thigh section 89
have been dropped or pivoted about the axis of the pin 126.
Furthermore, the weight of the patient on the seat section 88 and
the force from the gas spring 122 will facilitate a dropping of the
seat section as well as a raising of the head section 87. A pulling
of the handle 169 rightwardly (FIG. 13) will cause a retraction of
the actuator 134 and a return of the thigh and foot sections 89 and
91 toward the original positions thereof shown in FIGS. 1 and
4.
[0063] The seat section 88, thigh section 89 and foot section 91
can be pre-assembled and secured to the brackets 123. Similarly the
hydraulic circuit 140 mounted on the frame 143 can all be
pre-assembled, including the pivot arm 156 and the linkage member
167, and then be secured as a unit to the longitudinally extending
support rails 18 and 19.
[0064] Synthetic resin side bolsters 171 are mounted to the upper
side of the longitudinally extending support rails as illustrated
in FIG. 6 between the foot end of the head section 87 and the head
end of the foot section 91. The bolsters 171 are secured to the
longitudinal support rails 18 and 19 by a plurality of fasteners
172. The bolsters 171 are yieldable and provide a comfort zone
between the foot end of the head section 87 and the head end of the
foot section 91 when the patient is sitting on the seat and thigh
sections 88 and 99 with the legs dangling over the edge of the
patient support deck. As illustrated in FIG. 28, each bolster 171
includes a plurality of feet 173 which are spaced along the length
of the bolster 171 and it is through the feet 173 that the fastener
172 effects a securement of the bolster 171 to the respective one
of the side rails 18 and 19. The portion of 174 between the feet
173 is resiliently yieldable and spaced from the support rails 18
and 19 so that it can move toward and away from the outer surface
of the support rails 18 and 19.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 20, an attendant work surface 175 is
provided adjacent the head end of the support rails 18 and 19 and
is oriented beneath the head section 87 when the head section is in
the horizontal position illustrated in FIG. 1. When the head
section 87 is elevated as is illustrated in FIG. 20, the work
surface 175 becomes exposed to facilitate usage by an attendant. In
this particular embodiment, the work surface 175 consists of a
platform 174 that is oriented in a horizontal plane and is secured
to the head end of the longitudinally extending side rails 18 and
19. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the underside of the platform 174
includes a shelf 176 onto which can be stored a patient transfer
board 177. In this particular embodiment, the patient transfer
board 176 is foldable. The patient transfer board additionally has
a plurality of hand holes 178 therein to facilitate usage by an
attendant in manipulating a patient that may be supported thereon
when it is removed from the shelf, placed on top of the patient
support deck under the patient's body. Since the patient transfer
board 177 is made of a synthetic resin material, particularly a low
friction type of a synthetic resin material, the transfer board 177
will slide easily relative to the patient support deck.
[0066] Intermediate the location whereat the shelf 176 is provided,
a frame 179 (FIG. 5) is secured to the longitudinally extending
support rail 19 and or the laterally extending support rail 21. A
cylindrical shell 181 is suspended from the frame 179 so that its
longitudinal axis is oriented in a vertical plane that is
approximately parallel to the longitudinal axes of the support
rails 18 and 19. The end 182 of the shell 181 is closed whereas the
end 183 is open toward the head end 47 in order to facilitate the
reception therein of a tank of bottled gas, such as a tank of
oxygen. The tank of bottled gas is not illustrated in the drawings.
However, it will be well understood by those skilled in this art
that the valving for the tank will be located adjacent the open end
183 of the shell 181 to facilitate manipulation by an
attendant.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 26, each of the longitudinally extending
tubular support rails 18 and 19 has a plurality of longitudinally
spaced holes 184 therein opening into the interior of the hollow
tubular configuration of the support rails 18 and 19. In FIG. 26,
only the support rail 18 is shown, it being understood that the
support rail 19 will be identical thereto but a mirror image
thereof. The holes 184 are configured to receive therein a
pre-assembled siderail assemblage 186. In FIG. 26, some of the
siderail assemblages 186 have been inserted into the respective
holes 184 while others are exploded away therefrom. FIG. 27
illustrates one of the siderail assemblages 186. Each siderail
assemblage 186 includes a cartridge member 187 consisting of a
synthetic resin material body member 188 having an integral
peripheral flange 189 that is larger in configuration than the
configuration of the respective holes 184. The body 188 of the
cartridge 187 is configured to be received into each of the holes
184 to enable the flange 189 to engage the peripheral surface of
the respective support rail 18 or 19. A bore 191 is provided in the
body 188 of the cartridge 187 and is configured to receive one end
192 (FIG. 27) of a side rail support arm 193 and support same for
rotation about the axis of rotation of the end 192. A pair of
support bushings 194 and 196 and between which is a torsion spring
198 are also provided in the bore 191 and encircle the end 192. The
bushing 196 is attached to the end 192 by a fastener 197. A one end
of the torsion spring 198 is also secured to the aforesaid one end
192 by the fastener 197 while the other end of the torsion spring
198 is secured to the body 188 in a conventional manner. The end
199 of the siderail support arm 193 is configured to be attached to
a longitudinally extending hand rail 201. The feature of
pre-assembling the siderail assemblages 186 onto a cartridge 187
and then inserting the cartridge into a selected hole in the
longitudinally extending siderails 18 and 19 is believed to be
novel. Further, the dimension of the hole 184 is slightly wider
than is the width of the body 188 so as to facilitate a
longitudinal shifting of the body 188 lengthwise of and relative to
the support rail 18 and 19. The body 188 includes a receptacle 202
for receiving therein a fastener 203. The wall of the support rail
18 and 19 is provided with a hole 204 which becomes axially aligned
with the receptacle 202 in the body 188 only when the body 188 has
been inserted into the hole 184 and then shifted lengthwise
(rightwardly in FIG. 28) Until a notch 206 on the body 188 receives
therein an edge portion 207 of the respective hole in the support
rail 18 and 19. A single fastener 203 can be inserted into the now
aligned hole 204 and receptacle 202 to facilitate a fastening of
the body 188 to the respective support rail 18 and 19.
[0068] The bushing 194 has a characteristic similar to that
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,397, the subject matter of which
is incorporated herein by reference. That is, the bushing 194 has a
plurality of flat sides and the material of the bushing is
generally a plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyvinylchloride or other well known plastics. The bushing is
generally thin which enables the inner flat sides of the bushing to
deform and elastically expand outwardly to receive the end 192 of
the side rail support arm 193 while maintaining sufficient rigidity
so that the inner flat sides prevent sway or pivoting of the side
rail support arms 193 as is disclosed in the aforementioned patent.
A conventional latching mechanism 208 (FIG. 1) is provided for
latching the siderail assemblages in an upstanding and deployed
position as illustrated on the right side of the patient support
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 and to facilitate a release of the
siderail configuration to enable it to move to the stowed position
as is illustrated on the left side of the patient support apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the hand
rail 201 is stowed beneath the upper surface of the litter frame 17
to facilitate an attendant moving close to the edge of the litter
frame to access a patient provided thereon.
[0069] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention
have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be
recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed
apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lye within the
scope of the present invention.
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